Tributes to man who died after Scarborough 'altercation'
A teenager had previously been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
A man has died following a reported altercation in Scarborough on Tuesday 30th December.
40-year-old Damon Nicky John O’Nions-Cairns suffered serious head injuries following the incident.
He died in hospital on 13th January from those injuries.
A 19-year-old boy had previously been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the reported altercation.
He's also been charged with possession of Class A and Class B drugs.
Leon Upson is due at York Crown Court on 9th February for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
North Yorkshire Police say they're liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding Upson.
"He had a heart of gold..."
Nicky John O’Nions-Cairns' family have released the following tribute, “Damon was born in Bridlington and joined his brother and sister, then another sister came along. He enjoyed going fishing with his father.
“He was a little tearaway at school. He had a heart of gold but struggled with mental illness.
“He would help anybody especially elderly folk who he treated with respect.
“He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, grandson, husband and father and this tragedy has broken the family’s hearts.
“Please can you give his family and friends time to grieve his loss in their own way.”